Ealing Council has welcomed the recommendations of a new report to put residents at the heart of high street regeneration, as calls grow for the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, to back community-led approaches.
Publishing its report, At a Crossroads: London’s High Streets, the London Assembly Economy, Culture and Skills Committee highlights how art, creativity and heritage can transform struggling high streets into vibrant community hubs. Public art installations and cultural events, the report says, could play a key role in strengthening residents’ ties to their local areas.
Vacant shops across the capital remain a significant challenge. The Committee notes that temporary use by community groups, businesses or artists has successfully brought new life to empty spaces, a model that could be expanded across London including Ealing.
The report recommends the Mayor support local groups to utilise High Street Rental Auctions to occupy vacant properties, backed by financial help to develop sustainable projects. It also calls for an ‘Art on the High Street’ programme and a digital platform to ensure communities shape regeneration plans, while urging the Mayor to simplify funding processes and focus investment on areas most in need.
Marina Ahmad AM, chair of the committee, said: “High streets play a pivotal role in creating and maintaining a sense of community within boroughs here in London. High streets are part of our community, so it is only right that communities play their part in reimagining high streets for local needs.”
She added: “Improving high streets will entice more people to spend money in their communities, helping to boost London’s economy and create spaces that are fit for purpose. We urge the Mayor to take on board our recommendations.”
Responding to the report, an Ealing Council spokesperson told EALING.NEWS: “Ealing Council welcomes the report’s recommendations, which support several projects and investments that the council has been making across the borough’s seven towns and high streets. This includes setting up the High Streets Taskforce to bring key local organisations together, including three Business Improvement Districts, with a plan to strengthen town centres’ role as places to live, work and meet.
“The council has numerous plans including its Local Plan, jobs and skills strategy, economy after 6pm strategy, and cultural infrastructure plan which all place thriving high streets at the heart of its ambition to create 20-minute neighbourhoods.
“Greater coordination across all levels of government, and further funding, would be critical in ensuring the report’s recommendations can succeed.”
